Two unnamed patients died from underlying complications and conditions but they both tested positive for Clostridium difficile (C. diff), NHS officials confirmed. The two patients contracted the disease while 14 others are confined in the same hospital for further intervention and treatment.
The health officials said that the 14 infected patients are in isolation and infection prevention to prevent cross-infection to other patients. According to Melanie Johnson, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian said, "We have identified a cluster of C. diff at the hospital and an investigation is ongoing to establish if there is a link between the cases. As is usual practice, we isolate symptomatic patients, emphasise the importance of infection control precautions and undertake additional cleaning."
"We always act as if cases are linked and implement action to prevent cross-transmission," she added.
Meanwhile, campaigners have expressed their shock after an investigation into a cluster of the potentially deadly Clostridium difficile bug was launched. This has been the country's worst outbreak of the said disease.
Based from a report at the Vale of Leven Hospital in West Dunbartonshire, the outbreak has killed 34 people last month. They have issued about 75 recommendations for improvement. In fact, according to Michelle Stewart, from the C. diff Justice Group, "
An inquiry into the outbreak at the Vale of Leven Hospital, in West Dunbartonshire, which claimed 34 lives, last month made 75 recommendations for improvements.
Michelle Stewart, of the C diff Justice Group, whose mother-in-law Sarah McGinty died of C diff at the hospital, said, "We understand people contract C.diff. It's how its dealt with which is the issue. This is an infection which can be controlled and my immediate thoughts are the numbers involved suggest it has spread." Her grandmother was one of the victims of the outbreak and succumbed to the disease.
"Just a few weeks ago we were given strong assurances that the recommendations from the Vale of Leven inquiry were being put in place. Health boards across the country were implementing these measures. To hear this now so soon after the inquiry has shocked me," she added.
Meanwhile, Johnson reiterated that, "We have identified a cluster of C.diff at the hospital and an investigation is ongoing to establish if there is a link between the cases."
"As is usual practice, we isolate symptomatic patients, emphasise the importance of infection control precautions and undertake additional cleaning. We always act as if cases are linked and implement action to prevent cross transmission, "she added.
"Our robust surveillance procedures meant that we were able to identify these cases quickly and take the appropriate action."
A total of 143 patients were infected and a thorough investigation of the outbreak has been launched.
